El Salvador Registers Third Drought in Months, Minister Reports

El Salvador is grappling with its third drought in recent months, primarily affecting the eastern and coastal regions of the country. The persistent dry spells are attributed to the influence of the El Niño phenomenon, which is causing significantly less rainfall than in previous years, according to the Minister of Environment, Fernando López.

Minister López informed journalists that the nation has experienced drought conditions intermittently throughout the current rainy season. Specific dry periods were noted in June, July, and now again in August. The most vulnerable areas are typically the warmer coastal zones and the eastern parts of El Salvador.

While the current dry spell, known as the "periodo canicular," is expected to conclude before the end of August, temporary rainfall events are forecast for September. The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN) had previously indicated that El Salvador typically experiences less rain during its rainy season due to the "canícula," a period of reduced precipitation, but not a complete cessation of rain.

Global weather forecasts from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) confirm that El Niño is strengthening and is expected to become a strong episode in the coming months. This intensification increases the likelihood of extreme weather events and natural disasters worldwide. The WMO anticipates accelerated warming of the equatorial Pacific waters between July and September, leading to strong El Niño conditions with sea surface temperature anomalies exceeding 2 degrees Celsius.